General benefits of a Massage Therapy
Sure, it can help you relax — but massage therapy can do much more than that.
The practice of using touch as a healing method derives from customs and techniques rooted in ancient history. Eastern and Western Civilizations found that massages could heal injuries, relieve pain, reduce stress, prevent, and cure illnesses. Massages can even promote the release of the built-up toxins in your body causing numerous health problems.
“The advantages of a good massage are very diverse, not only does it feel very relaxing for the mind, but it also reduces stress tension in the back, neck, and shoulder area. The kneading movements stimulate optimum muscle tone, so that the tightness or weakness, disappear, which brings lasting pain relief. Massage also increases the blood flow which brings nutrition to the cells and therefore speeds up recovery and healing and flushes out built-up lactic acid and other wastes. Massage can be used as a prevention from injury as a recovery treatment after exercising or for effective back pain relief.”
– Sarah Baechi, Head Physiotherapist & Coordinator, Para-Olympics GB
We are familiar with the soothing relaxation of a tense muscle after a massage. There are obvious explanations for these processes inside the muscles, blood vessels, and nerve fibres. We have two circulatory systems in your body. The bloodstream starting from the heart supplies the nutrients to the brain, organs, and the muscular system, whilst the lymphatic system ensures that the metabolic products, dross, and toxins can be washed out of the body.
If the immune system is attacked by infections or viruses, the first thing the doctor does is to feel the lymph nodes, as these produce defence cells and react to this strain by swelling. Every massage stimulates this system, causes the body fluids to move and thereby promotes the evacuation of harmful substances and the supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
- Massage feels good and it is a pleasurable experience.
- Massage increases your body self-awareness and sensitivity.
- Massage reduces your stress, tension, and anxiety levels.
- Massage calms the nervous system and has a centering/balancing effect.
- Massage relaxes, focuses, and clears your mind.
- Massage helps to improve and maintain your posture.
- Massage helps to fulfill your need for a caring and nurturing touch.
- Massage encourages self-esteem and a general feeling of well-being.
- Massage increased your awareness of the whole being connection and improves your emotional awareness.
